Atalanta lead race for Todibo ahead of Napoli as West Ham seek sale
Quick summary
Atalanta are pushing to sign Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of Napoli, while West Ham United need to offload the defender due to financial pressures.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceWest Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo is a target for Atalanta more than Napoli, claims Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, with Olympique Marseille also interested.
The 26-year-old is eager to leave the Hammers following their relegation from the Premier League, and has no shortage of clubs keeping a close eye on the situation.
Atalanta are after Todibo LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Jean-Clair Todibo of West Ham United crosse the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Napoli and Olympique Marseille have been mentioned so far, but Sportitalia pundit Pedullà notes that Atalanta are preparing to push for the centre-back.
This goes way back to when West Ham first secured Todibo from OGC Nice in 2024, on loan with an obligation to buy for a total €40m.
He had at the time been very close to joining Juventus only for negotiations to fall apart over personal terms.
The Juve director who held those talks was Cristiano Giuntoli, who has taken over as the Atalanta director of sport this summer.
Todibo is under contract with West Ham until June 2029.
Napoli are leaning more towards either Juventus defender Federico Gatti or Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile.
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What happened
Atalanta have reportedly overtaken Napoli in the pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo, who is currently on loan at West Ham United from Nice. The Ligue 1 club, managed by Roger Schmidt, are open to a permanent sale. West Ham are also looking to sell Todibo to balance their books, with previous links to Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. Atalanta see the French defender as a key reinforcement for their defensive line, having already strengthened significantly in the transfer market.
Chance analysis
This transfer saga highlights Todibo's uncertain status at West Ham and Atalanta's aggressive recruitment strategy. For Atalanta, adding Todibo would further strengthen a defense that has been reshaped in the market, reinforcing their domestic and European ambitions. For West Ham, the sale is driven by PSR/financial fair play constraints, meaning the fee and structure matter as much as the sporting decision. Napoli losing out could push them toward alternative defensive targets before the window closes.
Atalanta would gain a quality defensive reinforcement; West Ham would recoup funds but lose squad depth; Nice would generate a sale profit.
Atalanta's defensive depth improves if Todibo signs; West Ham's need to sell makes the deal more likely; monitor for confirmation before Serie A prediction adjustments.